Fahima: Athletic Mid-Eastern looking woman in her 30s-40s, works for Ali Hassan but is angry and argumentative about his methods. Speaks some Arabic. Must be able to handle an Airsoft AK-47 and a semi-automatic pistol with confidence.

Daud: Athletic Mid-Eastern looking man in his 20s-30s, works for Ali Hassan, speaks some Arabic. Must be able to handle an Airsoft AK-47 and a semi-automatic pistol with confidence.

Salah: Athletic Mid-Eastern looking man in his 20s, works for Ali Hassan, Speaks some Arabic. Must be able to handle an Airsoft AK-47 and a semi-automatic pistol with confidence.

Talal: Mid-Eastern looking man of any age, works with Kathryn O’Connor as her driver. Speaks English with an accent.

Naji: Mid-Eastern looking man of any age, works with Kathryn O’Connor as her fixer. Speaks English with an accent.

Jamal: Mid-Eastern looking boy about 9 years old, approaches Kathryn in the marketplace asking for coins.

Clive Davis or Philippa Beckett: male or female TV news reporter with British accent – very professional British/European look.

Two Mid-Eastern looking men in street clothing such as a jogging suit or Members Only jacket and khakis or jeans, any age. Surveilling and video recording Kathryn, these men work the camera capturing the explosion in the marketplace.

Two American Soldiers or Marines (up to one female) in combat uniform with armor (Airsoft weapons will be provided), military bearing, to stand guard outside the journalist’s hotel.
Three Mid-Eastern looking hotel employees – bartender, desk clerk and waiter; any age, male.

Marketplace – Mid-Eastern looking people, men in disheveled clothing such as polos or button-down short sleeved shirts, khaki or black slacks or jeans, sandals, light jackets and women in Hijab, Burqa and veiled looks. See attached photos for ideas, but keep colors neutral black or denim.

Auditions will be held February 2-6. Watch for specifications on how to sign-up here.

Former Outreach Programs Manager for the New Mexico Film Office, Dirk Norris has announced the creation of the New Mexico Film Foundation, a non-profit corporation whose mission is “To help support the independent film industry in New Mexico while offering financial assistance and educational opportunities to New Mexico independent film makers.”

While the film industry continues to grow in New Mexico through the efforts of the New Mexico Film Office, programs such as the “New Visions” contract award, “Governor’s Cup” and “Film Maker Intensive,” programs designed to help New Mexico filmmakers, no longer exist. “We have a large community of independent film makers right here in New Mexico,” said Norris, “and the time is now to bring more attention to them, and offer them support.”

Once it gets funding, the New Mexico Film Foundation will offer a variety of grants aimed at helping those creative ‘above the line’ writers, directors, producers and actors that want to tell stories through film and digital media.

Norris said there is tremendous support for the idea of a Film Foundation, and plans are in the works to gain more support by holding a series of social events for film makers throughout the state. Going to various parts of the state where men and women create films will help shine a light on the work they are doing, said Norris.

The New Mexico Film Foundation is a non-profit organization which has partnered with From The Heart Productions to serve as tax exempt fiscal sponsor.

“We are proud to be a fiscal sponsor for the New Mexico Film Foundation. We look forward to working with their filmmakers to create compelling films that make a difference in people’s lives,” said Carole Dean owner and president of From the Heart Productions. From The Heart Productions is a 501(c) 3 non-profit founded by Carole Dean to help filmmakers get their projects produced.

Starts Friday at Laru Ni Hatu Cafe 3413 Central with a “Meet the Filmmaker” Reception from 5:00-6:30. the films begin at 7 pm., and continue Saturday and Sunday at the Guild Cinema 3405 Central. The winning films from each category will be shown around the state. Stay tuned for a schedule of those screenings, in Portales, Roswell, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Grants and Taos.

From the mental team who brought you the Bigfoot Election comes the latest New Mexico indie hit, “Abe Makes a Movie”.

Watch the video above to see the amazing fundraising efforts they’ve made so far and click here to support this very special New Mexico film making duo!

In just 10 days Ryan Turri and Matt Peterson raised over $17,000, getting them well on their way to bringing this blood, sweat and tears movie to life.

And now it’s time to get serious. They only have 20 days left and the clock is ticking…

“We are asking that you please HELP! By Friday we need to hit $32,000 to meet our halfway point goal. Anything can help.

If we get 130 people to donate $125 or more (which, besides supporting the movie in a huge way, you’ll get a signed copy of the movie and other awesome perks) we’ll be well on our way. Of course, whatever you can give is amazing!

And a HUGE thanks to everyone who has supported us so far. It means the world to me and us at the Abe Makes A Movie team! We can’t do it without you!!

THANK YOU!!!!!!” -Ryan

This blogette and the entire team of OneHeadlightInk contributors can sincerely endorse the efforts of these and so many independent filmmakers right here in the Land of Enchantment.

The more we can support our own, the more they will shine the light back on the spectacular talent and crews this state has yet to show the WORLD!

The New Mexico Film, She Walks In Beauty, is currently looking for actors to appear in their upcoming sizzle reel.

Work on the sizzle reel will be volunteer.

This compelling dramatic short will be an excellent addition to your resume and it will be seen by people all over the country, and possibly the world (via the film’s indiegogo campaign). The sizzle reel will be used to raise money to shoot the full length film this fall and winter.

She Walks In Beauty, is about one Navajo woman’s journey to reclaim her inner strength and leave an abusive marriage. This is a very powerful short film, based on a true story. Please check out the Facebook page here for more information.

Selected actors must be available to shoot August 10th and 11th.

If applicable, interested and available please audition on Tuesday July 30th, at 6:00 PM at 423 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.

LAND OF DREAMING tells the stories of two characters: Eric Martinez, an illegal immigrant who decides to take his own life when faced with an imminent deportation . And Kyla Thompson, an American citizen who has squandered every opportunity life has afforded her, who squanders her welfare funds on drugs and ultimately dies of a drug overdose.

The comedy, “Abe Makes A Movie” is currently casting lead roles in this funny film about an underachieving want-to-be filmmaker who assembles a ragtag crew of misfits to help make a movie and enter it into a local film festival in hopes of winning his ex girlfriend back. Starring Matt Peterson (The Bigfoot Election).

This will be a Sag Ultra-Low Budget film shooting early to late fall 2013 in Albuquerque, NM.

Roles
Sarah
Female 20-35, caucasian
Abe’s long time best friend. Dry sense of humor and witty. Sweet. Smart. Thinks Abe is great. Almost like a sister to Abe.

Jethro
Male 50-70, Caucasian
Pyrotechnics guy. Gruff on the outside but very like-able once you get to know him. Served in the reserves and never saw any action, though he would lead you to believe otherwise. Jack of all trades, master of none. Loyal follower of Abe. Big hearted.

Marla
Female 60-80, Caucasian
Old starlet. Been in 135 movies, but never starred in a single one. Worldly seasoned. Has had several marriages and one daughter. Single now, and lives in the moment. Spent some time in Toas “finding herself” through the guidance of a guru.

Carl
Male 50-68 Caucasian
Abe’s stepfather. Classic American-old school dad who believes in hard work and earning an honest dollar… but plays the lottery religiously. A constant skeptic. Hard on Abe. Believes his way is the right way. Likes to prove his point to anyone who will listen. Doesn’t trust anyone who isn’t American or American made. Grew up in a small town, had his aspirations crushed early in life, gave up on his bowling career and settled for a 9-5 job spending his lunch hour talking sports and how once he was a big deal.

Dirk
Male 25-37 Caucasian
Napoleon complex. Swarmy. Sarcastic. Classic Bro. Uses the term “Bro” and “Brah” and “YOLO”. Thinks he’s hot shit. Classic wannabe filmmaker, wears the right filmmaker clothes, knows the right filmmaking terms and tells everyone about it. Won the 168 hour film festival the previous year. Creates his own handshakes.

SANTA FE— The New Mexico Film Office announced a call for entries today for the 2012 NM Filmmakers Showcase in Albuquerque, October 12-14, at the Guild Cinema.

The Showcase is an annual event featuring a vast range of creative talent of New Mexicans from around the state. The Showcase is free and open to the public to attend.

There is no charge to submit an entry to the Showcase. This year’s deadline for entries is Friday, September 14th at 5:00 pm. Entries postmarked after this date will not be accepted.

“The New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase is a great opportunity for New Mexican filmmakers to have their short or feature length films screened for the public,” said Nick Maniatis, Director of the New Mexico Film Office.

Dirk Norris, coordinator of the New Mexico Filmmakers Programs said, “we are happy to be able to present the Filmmakers Showcase again this year. There are a great number of talented filmmakers in our state and the showcase is one way to give them exposure.”

A panel of local film professionals will judge the films in various categories, and winning films will be traveled around the state by the New Mexico Film Office in collaboration with local theatres and public access channels. Dramas, documentaries, animations and experimental films all qualify for entry – there is no minimum run time and the maximum run time is two hours.

Opening Night: Meet the filmmakers at an opening night reception sponsored by Laru Ni Hati Café, located at 3413 Central Ave. NE in Albuquerque, just down the street from the Guild. This reception will be held on Friday, October 12th from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm, with the kickoff films beginning afterwards at the Guild Cinema.

As the Guild has a limited amount of screen time, film submissions will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Deadline for entries is Friday, September 14th at 5:00 pm. Mailed entries must be postmarked by September 14th. Entry forms will be available at the Guild Cinema box office and on our newly designed website here: nmfilm.com/Filmaker_Programs.aspx as of August 13, 2012.

For further information, contact the NM Filmmakers Program coordinator, Dirk Norris at the NM Film Office: (505) 476-5671.

CALL FOR ENTRIES:
Free Local Showcase Open to All New Mexicans from October 12-14, 2012.
Deadline for Entries September 14th at 5:00 pm.

From the creative team of John KD Graham, Alexandra Boylan, Raquel Cantu, Andrew Maiorano, Richard Galli, Andrew Boylan, and Sean McClellan, this movie will make you want to change the locks to your home and purchase a top-of-the line alarm system (or maybe a shotgun):

A lone woman battles two psychotic squatters for her home and her life.

Job, parents, money, apartment—Gwen Stevens has lost everything. Seeking to regain control of her quickly disintegrating life, Gwen returns to her remote childhood home to sift through her past and focus on finding new direction. Her quest for control is quickly challenged when she discovers that the house that was once her sanctuary is now someone else’s domain — and she is not welcome. Two psychotic squatters leave Gwen terrorized, tormented, and far from help. Gwen’s retreat devolves into a battle for her home and, ultimately, a desperate fight for her life.

New Mexico native, Demi Moore may be hesitant to return to her home state, but her daughter Rumer Willis is set to star in NM indie, “The Odd Way Home”.

July 10, 2012, SANTA FE —New Mexico Film Office Director Nick Maniatis announced today that New Mexico production companies Slant Productions and Sandia Media will start production on the independent feature film, “The Odd Way Home.” Production will begin mid July through August and will shoot in and around southern New Mexico including Las Cruces, Deming, Hillsboro and Silver City.
The production will employ at least 38 New Mexico crewmembers including fifteen 15 interns from New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces and 22 New Mexican principal and background talent.

Directed by local New Mexico resident Rajeev Nirmalakhandan who worked for Universal and Dreamworks before teaching film at NMSU’s Creative Media Institute. Produced by locals Peter Touche (Goats, Blaze You Out) of Sandia Media, Patrick Nelson and Victor Kearney as executive producer.

“This film would not have been possible without the support of NMSU’s Creative Media Institute and its talented students,” Peter Touche stated. “We are also most grateful to the communities of Las Cruces, Deming, Hillsboro and Silver City, all of whom have enabled this project. This is truly a New Mexico project born and bred.”

Written by Rajeev Nirmalakhandan and Jason Ronstadt, The Odd Way Home tells the story of Duncan (Chris Marquette), a man with autism, who meets Maya (Rumer Willis) escaping her life in Los Angeles. They embark on an inspirational journey though the great American Southwest.

The Cowgirls is a western about a group of school girls forced to take on the roles traditionally left for men, when their ranch is threatened with financial ruin after the tragic death of the rancher. Seizing on the tragedy a local banker and the old ranch hands join forces to force the property into foreclosure thinking that if they refuse to drive the cattle to the annual auction that the wife of the deceased rancher would be forced to default on the loan. They never counted on this cowgirls tenacity and the support of the dozen teenage pupils she has been caring for since they were left on her doorstep during the civil war.

Using the sets, crew, and locations that have made New Mexico one of the leading film states in the country we plan to make a western that would make John Wayne proud. Because New Mexico is such a forward thinking state as far as film production there is a billion dollars in film infrastructure ready to take our modest budget and shoot a film that experts would place valued at millions of dollars. We have great talent attached and the support of a great directing team. Cast attached: Claudia Christian (Babylon 5), Kelly Lintz, (Hunger Games, Army Wives), Mackenzie Lintz (Hunger Games), Madison Lintz (Sofia from Walking Dead), Bokeem Woodbine (Total Recall, The Rock), Franco Vega (Social Network), Noel G (Dark Knight Returns), and many others.

The BFE camp is thrilled to have announced that their labor of love will soon get its due and wide-spread play on iTunes, Netflix, Video on Demand, and pending cable networks!

Since its 2011 premiere, the film which took home the Best NM Feature award at the Albuquerque Film Festival, has also shown at White Sands International Film Festival, Hollywood Film Festival, placed at the Las Vegas Comedy Film Festival, and was an Official Semi finalist in the Chicago Comedy Film Festival.

Look forward to the announcement of future showings and DVD availability.

In this con-gone-wrong comedy, a boozy, disenchanted small-town deputy devises a Bigfoot hoax with his dimwitted sidekick to capture the attention – and the votes – of the townsfolk in a backwater sheriff’s election. Complications abound when the mayor enlists an alluring cryptozoologist to investigate, and hires the hoaxers to guide her.

Compensation is Film and IMDB credit. The production can not pay for travel or hotel.

Seeking the following types of local actors:

• Men and women, 18 years of age and older, all types.
• Also looking for not so clean cut, gritty looking
• Need older man and older woman
• No prior experience is necessary.
• There are NO fees to attend open casting calls.
• MUST have a social security number and valid ID.
• MUST be legal to work in the United States.

If you fit these types and are interested, submit your information to ramblercasting@live.com; include your name, age, email address, headshot or photograph of yourself and telephone number where you can reached or contact Jeanette Loera at the production office (575) 622-1245 from 8am – 5pm.

Mulroney starred in the NM production, Inhale back in 2010 with Diane Kruger, who too is currently back in New Mexico filming Stephenie Meyer’s, The Host.

Production is just days away on the Calvin Lee Reeder feature film, The Rambler; which first premiered as a short at Sundance and SXSW waay back in ’08.

Dermot Mulroney will star as a man known as The Rambler who is released from prison and discovers a mystery as he attempts a dangerous journey through treacherous back roads and small towns en route to reconnecting with his long lost brother.

Michael Benaroya is financing through his low-budget genre label AKA Pictures. AKA/Benaroya head of production Joe Jenckes also serves as executive producer with his Bow Street Films partner David Dickson, under a new partnership between AKA and Bow Street. Clayton Young of Benaroya Pictures will produce on behalf of AKA Pictures.

AND OF COURSE Dermont starred in the Retro NM Film YOUNG GUNS, way, way back in the 1900s!